Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on plant cell membranes recognize some of the conserved molecular patterns derived from pathogens that activate immune responses. The current study found that the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase subfamily VII (RLCK VII ) BIK1 and PBL1 are involved in plant PRR- mediated immune responses. There are 46 members of RLCK VII in Arabidopsis, and the function of most members of this family in plant immunity is unknown.

The research group of the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a number of multiplex mutants based on the phylogenetic tree of RLCK VII , and systematically analyzed the function of RLCK VII members in plant immunity. Studies have found that members of the fifth, seventh and eighth evolutionary branches of RLCK VII are widely involved in multiple PRR- mediated immune responses. The members of the fourth evolutionary branch are specifically involved in the chitin-induced immune response. Further studies indicate that members of the fourth evolutionary branch are involved in MAPK activation. This study revealed the redundancy and specificity of RLCK VII members in PRR- mediated immune responses. The mutants constructed in this work provide a good genetic material for studying the function of RLCK VII members.